New Nordics AI has launched, which aims to stimulate cooperation in the Nordic-Baltic region, accelerate the use of artificial intelligence, and strengthen the region's global competitiveness.
New Nordics AI is being formed through a collaboration between five leading national organisations: AI Sweden, AI Finland, Digital Dogme (Denmark), TEK Norge (Norway), and Almannarómur (Iceland), with expected participation from the Baltic states. The initiative has strong political support and is funded by, among others, the Nordic Council of Ministers with DKK 30 million (approximately 4 million euro). In addition to the Nordic Council of Ministers, there are also other funders, including Google, Microsoft and Nordic Innovation. Nordic Innovation will fund the AI Act Implementation Network project.
"With geopolitical changes as well as a need to strengthen Europe's competitiveness and our ability to develop and apply AI, New Nordics AI could not have a more important role to play. As a region, we must be both bold and hungry when it comes to using technology to create prosperous societies and businesses. That must be our mindset", said Mikael Ljungblom, Interim director of New Nordics AI.
Catalyzing Nordic-Baltic AI innovation and use
The center will help realize common Nordic-Baltic ambitions. By building on the strengths of the national organizations, the goal is to catalyze groundbreaking innovation projects and strengthen the region's voice within the EU.
The main secretariat will be located in Stockholm. The first joint projects were already being presented at launch. They include an AI ActImplementation Network, A large language models coordination effort and an AI and energy project.
"The AI center is crucial for us to achieve our Vision 2030 – to become the most sustainable and integrated region in the world. Through cross-border and cross-sectoral collaboration, the Nordics and Baltics have a unique opportunity to take the lead in responsible AI, strengthen our competitiveness, and contribute to a sustainable future. I am proud that the Nordic Council of Ministers is funding and enabling this initiative", said Karen Ellemann, Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers. "In the global AI race, there is a real cost to inaction – which is why I am glad we are doing this now, and that we are doing it together."
